Physics · Wave motion, longitudinal and transverse waves, speed of the travelling wave, displacement relation for a progressive wave

Which statement about light waves and sound waves is correct?

Which statement about light waves and sound waves is correct?

  • A. Both light waves and sound waves show the Doppler effect
  • B. Light waves can be diffracted but sound waves cannot be diffracted
  • C. Sound waves are transverse waves and light waves are longitudinal waves
  • D. Sound waves can travel in a vacuum but light waves control travel in a vacuum.

Step-by-step solution

The Doppler effect occurs for both light and sound waves. For light, it manifests as redshift or blueshift depending on relative motion; for sound, it causes changes in pitch. Option B is false because both waves can diffract. Option C is false because sound waves are longitudinal and light waves are transverse. Option D is false because sound waves require a medium while light can travel in a vacuum.
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